Kickoff 22.23

Voyager

We exist to empower our diverse community

to live inspired, purposeful lives.

Goals for Family Kickoff

Goals for Family Kickoff

Relationships begin to be formed between families and pride leaders.

Relationships begin to be formed between families and teachers.

Families get information about the school year and can sign up for activities.

Families learn how they can support their scholar’s attendance this school year.

Families and scholars learn about the classes they’ll take this school year.

Agenda

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Pride Overview

What & Why

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Mentoring/Pride Time

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• Pride: Group of 18 - 25 same grade level and gender peers

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• Pride Time: Designated time Monday - Friday for pre-planned activity with Pride

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• Pride Leader/Mentor: a grade level teacher who will facilitate Pride Time with their Pride

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Valor’s Vision for Mentoring

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• Provide safe base for all students.
• Team of people who know each student’s multi-storied identity and help scholars uncover that for themselves.
• Helps scholars set academic and personal goals; supports them in reaching them.
• Main point of contact for family communication.

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Prayer Time Request

• If your scholar needs time to pray at school, please take a prayer time request and sign it before you leave today
• If you forget, you can have your scholar turn it in next week
• Your child will need to have this signed before they can get an official prayer time

Attendance

Goals & Supports

We want Valor to be a place where students want to be.

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Attendance

Excused Absences

• Scholar illness
• Funeral for immediate family members
• Religious Holidays
• Doctor’s appointments with documentation

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• Need documentation to excuse absences within 5 days
• 3 or more consecutive absences for illness require a medical note to be considered excused.

Unexcused Absences

• All other absences
• Absences without a note

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Chronic absenteeism:

absent for 10% of school year whether the absence is excused or unexcused

Attendance Interventions

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Daily Absence

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Text sent to family to notify of absence

Note: School teams will pull attendance data at progress report and report card windows.

Intervention #1

5 unexcused Absences

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PandaDocs Notification

Intervention #2

9 unexcused absences

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Case Manager + Attendance Improvement Plan

Attendance Interventions

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Note: School teams will pull attendance data at progress report and report card windows.

Intervention #3

Continued Unexcused Absences

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Attendance Meeting & Truancy Petition

Ongoing Interventions

In addition to unexcused absences, Valor will send notifications for chronically absent students (missing 10% of the school year, excused or unexcused)

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Voyager Celebrations

• We know that being a student at Valor can sometimes be challenging, so we like to celebrate whenever we can!
• We will balance community celebrations and individual celebrations each Quarter (every 9 weeks!)
• On the next slide, we will highlight some of the different things we will celebrate!

Each Month-we give out

Student of the MONTH!

August-Curiosity

September-Courage

October-Integrity

November-Kindness

December-Presence

January-Joy

February-Identity

March-Determination

April-Balance

May-Diversity

*Students with the most On-Compass Behaviors in each category will win SOTM! You will get some shout outs, a balloon, and an invite to a pizza party off campus!

Shout out to some of our previous SOTM!

*you can only win this award 1x in your time at Voyager!

Weekly Shout Outs

Scholar of the Week, different for each grade

level

Quarterly Awards Ceremonies

Every 9 Weeks → will take the place of your House Meeting for the week!

Sharp Mind Honor Roll = All A’s

*Sticker

*T-Shirt

*Bragging Rights

Voyager Honor Roll= All A’s and B’s

*Sticker for you

*Bumper Sticker for parents

*Bragging Rights

5 Compass Dimensions Awards Given each awards

*Individual Shout outs from teachers

*Sticker + Bragging Rights

Also included in Quarterly Awards Ceremonies: GRADE LEVEL GOALS

Each letter stands for a certain area that helps students be identified for being well-rounded

Voyager Spirit Weeks

Happen 1-2x every semester

Lynx Games

• Happen the last day before Winter Break
• Happen the last week of school in the Spring
• Pride vs. Pride
• Winner takes all in a friendly competition of brains, brawl, and raw talent
• What do you remember about Lynx Games, or what have you heard from a sibling?

Which celebration are you most excited for this

Year? What is a goal you have?

Resources for Caregivers

You should have received a PandaDoc from Voyageresign yesterday with this information - please click on the links in that document to sign up! Chromebooks will be in the LS Commons if you don’t have access to a device at home.

Reminder: Vaccinations

Please submit your 7th grade student’s TDAP vaccination record by 08/12/2022.

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Please note: if vaccine record is not received by this date, there will be a 5 school-day grace period (ending 8/19), after which we will be required to exclude your scholar from school until the form is received.

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Illuminate + Kickboard + GoGuardian Parent Access

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• Emailed this morning!
• Want to setup your account now?
• Join “Family Enrollment” network
• Check Email
• Follow email links / directions

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Chromebooks - 7th and 8th Grade

I will be passing out Chromebooks and chargers to all scholars who returned devices last year.

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Please charge your Chromebook today and tomorrow - it will need to be fully charged for the first day of school!

Valor Family Meet-Up Info

12th South, Oak Hill, Edgehill & Berry Hill Families

Saturday, 8/6

1:30-3pm

Fryce Cream

Host – Brandi Kellett

brandi.Kellett@lipscomb.edu

954-465-1549

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Green Hills Families

Saturday, 8/6

3 – 5pm

Dragon Park

Host – Portia Sabin

portia@musicbiz.org

360-259-7696

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PLEASE RSVP

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Next Up

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Next Up

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Report to the following learning space for class overview presentations:

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• Spanish: 211 (7th Grade)

US Co-Lab (8th Grade)

• English and other languages: stay where you are! :)

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Teacher About Me Slides - to be completed during Base Camp session

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Mrs. Soto

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What I love about Valor/Teaching:

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I love the feeling of community and that you truly build lasting relationships.

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About me:

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• I was born and raised in Dallas Texas.
• I graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas.
• I have a family with two littles. Emory is 5 and Barrett is 2.
• I love to watch movies!

Grade Level: 7th

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Role at Valor: Math

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Email: jsoto@valorcollegiate.org

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Ms. Telang

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What I love about Valor/Teaching:

�I love when kids have that moment of beginning to believe that they can do hard things.

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I love coaching & mentoring!

About me:

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• BA Kinesiology - University of Kentucky

MA in Special Education, Lipscomb University

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• I played professional soccer in Iceland �
• Currently Watching:

…usually sports

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• Favorite Snack: peanut butter m&ms!

7th Grade SpEd Case Manager

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7th & 8th Math Co-Teacher

atelang@valorcollegiate.org

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Ms. Guyton

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What I love about Valor/Teaching:

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I love creating and being a part of a space where students and teachers can feel seen and cared for.

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About me:

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• I am from Memphis, TN & attended the University of Memphis. GO TIGERS GO!
• I am a sorority girl! Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated!
• After December 10, 2022 I will be Mrs. WInton.

Grade Level: 7th + 8th

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Role at Valor: Math RTI

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Email: aguyton@valorcollegiate.org

Add a photo of yourself here!

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7th Math

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How to be successful in this class:

• Work hard every day
• Practice correctly at home on HW
• Study for your tests
• Do test corrections

Platforms we will use frequently:

• IXL (homework)
• Khan Academy (homework)

Materials you will need each day:

• Chromebook
• Math notebook
• Pencils
• Binder/Folder

Expect HW for this course on:

• Monday - Thursday

(20 minutes each night)

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About my course!

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What to expect from the first two units:

Unit 1: Adding and Subtracting Positive and Negative numbers

• 1 quiz (in middle)
• 1 test (at end)

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Unit 2: Multiplying and Dividing Positive and Negative numbers

• 1 quiz (in middle)
• 1 test (at end)

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Ms. Yonan (she/her)

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What I love about Valor/Teaching:

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I love hearing my students’ thoughts about pieces of literature, history, the world, etc!

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About me:

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• I am from Chicago, IL. GO CUBBIES!
• I am a Vanderbilt University grad who loves history and languages
• I am the assistant coach of our Varsity Volleyball team
• I love reading, writing, Harry Styles, and Star Wars

Grade Level: 7th

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Role at Valor: ELA

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Email: eyonan@valorcollegiate.org

Ms. Donaldson

What I love about Valor/Teaching:

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I love that I get to meet so many new people every single year.

About me:

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• I love thrifting.

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• Mississippi State fan �
• Alpha Kappa Alpha �

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Role at Valor:

7th + 8th SPED ELA Teacher

8th SPED Case Manager

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Email:

jdonaldson@valorcollegiate.org

If you have any questions, you can find me in the commons after these presentations.

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Ms. Sanderson

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What I love about Teaching: �I love it when students find a new way to communicate- whether that be in writing well, defending their ideas, or expressing their feelings.

About me:

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• BA in Math for Elementary Edu, Hope College

MA in English Language Learning, Lipscomb University

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• I first taught in Japan! �
• Currently Reading: Mosquito: A Human History of Our Deadliest Predator.

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• I love to bake and cook!

7th House Team Lead

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57th-8th English Learner Instructor

esanderson@valorcollegiate.org

If you have any questions, you can find me in the commons after these presentations.

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7th ELA

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How to be successful in this class:

• Focus, read with care, ANNOTATE, try!
• Come to class prepared – did you do your reading? Did you annotate? Did you bring your book?

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Platforms we will use frequently:

• Google Classroom

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Materials you will need each day:

• Class text (anthology, book)
• PENCIL

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Expect HW for this course on:

• Daily reading AND annotations!

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About my course!

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What to expect from the first two units:

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Unit 0: Anthology of diverse texts. Focusing on annotations, central ideas, themes. Practicing annotating and analyzing texts.

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Unit 1: Bamboo People by Mitali Perkins. Introduction to oppression (central idea of our course curriculum). Continue to build skills in annotating our texts and attacking our prompts. Extract central ideas from the text. Develop thoughtful themes about the human experience.

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Ms. Woodard

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What I love about Valor/Teaching:

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I love learning about students’ identities through their writing!

About Me:

• I was born in Nashville, and raised right outside of the city in Hermitage.
• I played college softball at Tennessee State University.
• BA in Psychology
• My pets are my world! I live with 4 dogs, 4 cats, and 2 guinea pigs.
• I love to travel, hike, sing, and play piano.

Grade Level: 7th + 8th

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Role at Valor: Writing

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Email: lwoodard@valorcollegiate.org

Add a photo of yourself here!

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7th+8th Writing

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How to be successful in this class:

• Turn in all assignments on time
• Stay on top of your writing!
• Complete NoRedInk work!
• Bring your most creative and curious self.�

Platforms we will use frequently:

• NoRedInk
• Google Classroom
• Pencil and Paper (and lots of erasers)

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Materials you will need each day:

• Chromebook
• Paper (notebook)
• Pencil + Eraser

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Expect HW for this course on:

• Weekly (20 minutes grammar)
• Drafting (only if not finished in class)

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About my course!

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What to expect from the first two units:

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Unit 0: Establish base writing skills and learn how writing class works! �

Unit 1: Speculative fiction. Students will write their own story and will get the opportunity to flex creative muscles.�

Unit 2: DRONES! Should we ban them? Keep them? Write an argument and tell me why! �

Unit 3: In alignment with ELA, students will examine both the Holocaust and Syrian Refugee crisis.

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Mr. Arp

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What I love about Valor/Teaching:

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Finding the joy in science while making your students feel safe and known

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About me:

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• I have been married for almost 20 years and I have four kids
• I love all things nerd related and love to use that in my class
• This is my third year at Valor and I love it
• I also love the outdoors and would definitely accidentally die trying to hold a dangerous animal in the wild.

Grade Level: 7th

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Role at Valor: Science

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Email: aarp@valorcollegiate.org

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7th Science

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How to be successful in this class:

• Stay curious, make mistakes and ask questions!
• Keep up with your Science Notebook!

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Platforms we will use frequently:

• Illuminate
• Google Classroom
• Blooket, Gizmo, Etc.

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Materials you will need each day:

• Chromebook
• Pencils
• An Amazing Attitude for
• Curiosity

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Expect HW for this course on:

• Assigned Monday, due Friday

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About my course!

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What to expect from the first two units:

Unit 1: Structure and Properties of Matter Part 1

We will then take a deep dive to look at atoms, chemical formulas and the law of conservation of mass

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Unit 2: Structure and Properties of Matter: Part 2

We will begin by looking at some of the observable properties of elements, compounds and mixtures

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Mr. Halm

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What I love about Teaching:

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When students find their own passion and curiosity about a subject

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About me:

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• I grew up in Virginia close to the Potomac River - Go Nats and Caps!
• I am learning to garden, play guitar, and play volleyball
• Favorite snack: Chocolate Granola
• Currently reading: Reading the Rocks: An Autobiography of the Earth

Grade Level: 7th

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Role at Valor:

Social Studies

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Email: chalm@valorcollegiate.org

Add a photo of yourself here!

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Social Studies

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How to be successful in this class:

Show up with an open mind. Put your past history class experiences behind you. A growth mindset, professional posture, and listening skills will serve you well! Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

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Platforms we will use frequently:

• Illuminate
• Google Classroom
• Quizlet, Kahoot, etc.

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Materials you will need each day:

• Writing Utensils
• Chromebook

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Expect HW for this course on:

• Assigned Monday due Friday

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About my course!

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What to expect from the first two units:

Unit 1: Medieval Europe

• The Fall of Rome to the Bubonic Plague

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Unit 2:

• Islamic Civilizations

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Ms. Buchanan

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What I love about Valor/Teaching:

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Our mentoring program!

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About me:

• Nashville born & raised (Hunters Lane class of 2010)

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• Graduated from Augustana College in 2014 (Sociology/

Creative Writing) and Lipscomb in 2017 (Masters in education)

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• 8th year teaching, all at Voyager

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• Plant & dog mom

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• Book worm

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• Runner

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5th-8th Compass Teacher

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abuchanan@valorcollegiate.org

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Compass

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How to be successful in this class:

• Time management!
• Ask questions each week
• Push yourself to be vulnerable

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Platforms we will use frequently:

• Google Classroom
• Email

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Materials you will need:

• Chromebook (online work)
• Printed badges
• Badge tracker for stickers!

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About my course!

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What to expect:

-You have 7 badges that are due

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-Presenting 3 badges on specific dates

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-IW/CW/RW once per year in Circle (you pick when)

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-TN done in Pride time & 1 badge just turned in

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-End of Phase due in May

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-These are your only assignments!

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Ms. Quinn

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What I love about Valor/Teaching:

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Learning about new cultures

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About me:

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• Immigrated from Scotland
• This is my 8th year teaching
• Have a BA in Telecommunication and Film with a minor in Musical Theatre
• Favorite color is pink

Grade Level: 5th-8th

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Role at Valor: Theater

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Email: rquinn@valorcollegiate.org

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Theater

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How to be successful in this class:

• Participate!
• Grading is based on effort

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Materials you will need each day:

• Chromebook
• Paper (notebook)
• Pencils

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Expect HW for this course on:

• None!

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About my course!

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What to expect from the first unit - starting in January!

Unit 1: Ensemble building, theatre basics.

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Unit 2: Voice acting

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Mr. Kemper

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What I love about Valor/Teaching:

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I love Valor’s mentorship program and my role in helping each scholar develop joy for fitness and movement.

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About me:

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• I grew up in Texas.
• Favorite foods are Mexican/Thai/Indian.
• My favorite sport is basketball.
• 7th year teaching.
• Love being outdoors, hiking, camping, traveling, and DIY home projects.

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Grade Level: 5th-8th

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Role at Valor: PE

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Email: jkemper@valorcollegiate.org

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PE

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How to be successful in this class:

• Do your best
• Respect yourself, others, and equipment
• Have fun

What to wear/bring during PE class:

• Comfortable clothes
• Athletic shoes
• Water bottle

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Materials you will need each day:

• Water bottle
• Athletic shoes

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Is there any homework?

• No homework

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About my course!

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What to expect from the first two units:

Unit 1: Team/Culture Building

• Building a foundation is key to everything we do this year.

Unit 2: Flag Football

• We will focus on fundamental skills, positions, and basic offensive/defensive concepts through the implementation of drills, mini games, and eventually 7 on 7 games depending on grade/skill level.

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Mrs. Peterson

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What I love about Valor/Teaching:

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Getting to know all of my students and seeing their joy for creating!

About me:

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• I am from Greensboro, North Carolina.

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• I love sea turtles and going to the beach�
• My German Shepherd’s name is Henley!

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• I love painting and ceramics!

Grade Level:

5-8 (All of Voyager MS)

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Role at Valor:

Art

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Email:

Lpeterson@valorcollegiate.org

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Art

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How to be successful in this class:

• Focus, and practice outside of class!
• Try your best and use your sketchbook

Platforms we will use frequently:

• Flipgrid

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Materials you will need each day:

• Chromebook
• Sketchbook
• Pencils

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Expect HW for this course on:

• No homework

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About my course!

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What to expect from the first two units:

Unit 0: Creating your very own sketchbook

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Unit 1: Exploring identity

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Unit 2: Connections- Identity and Relationships